Wind generation hits new record high

Electricity generation from onshore and offshore wind hit a new record high of 19,936MW on Wednesday morning (26 October), providing more than half (52.2%) of Great Britain’s supplies at the time.

The new record was set between 11.30am and 12.00am, edging out the previous high of 19,916MW seen on 25 May this year.

Wind farms also provided more than half of all electricity generation over the whole of Wednesday.

The record for the highest percentage of electricity generated from wind during a half-hour period is 64%, which was set of 29 January this year.

With more high winds on the way, National Grid Electricity System Operator suggested the 20GW threshold could be reached later this week.

Renewable UK chief executive Dan McGrail commented: “As we head towards winter, it’s reassuring for people to know that Britain’s onshore and offshore wind farms are doing the heavy lifting when it comes to keeping the lights on and reducing our reliance on expensive gas imports.

“That’s why it’s important to speed up and scale up on the amount of onshore and offshore wind capacity were installing – to boost our energy security and to reduce electricity bills for consumers, as new wind projects generate electricity cheaper than any other source”.